Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 18 votes

How To Make Homemade Croutons (With Any Bread!)

After making these croutons over one hundred times in my own kitchen, I can guarantee that these are the perfect easy homemade croutons. With so many tests, I've also made sure you can use this guide to make croutons with any bread (seriously, any type at all)!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 86 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Salad
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 3 heaping cups cut or torn bread stale or fresh
  • 2 to 4 Tbsp olive oil or any flavorless high-heat oil, 30 to 60 mL
  • ⅛ to ¼ tsp salt
  • Optional extras: ground black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, your favorite spice blends

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cut: Cut or tear bread into bite-sized chunks. You can leave the crust on or tear it off, your preference!
  2. Coat: Add the bread to a large bowl and drizzle with oil and desired seasoning. Toss until most of the bread is coated in oil.
  3. Cook Option 1 - Oven: Cook in a single layer on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Cook Option 2 - Air Fryer: Cook in a single layer in your air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 7 to 9 minutes.
  5. Cook Option 3 - Stove: Cook in a large saute pan over medium/high heat, jostling the croutons occasionally to evenly cook. They are done when most sides are golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Notes

  • Breads good for croutons: Italian bread, sourdough, ciabatta, brioche, a baguette, or the everyday kind of sandwich bread.
  • If using very fresh bread (as opposed to stale), you may need to cook them a little longer.
  • Store croutons in the fridge in an airtight container with a paper towel. You can store croutons for 5 to 7 days (may need to be thrown back in the pan right before eating to become crispy again).
  • To freeze, place croutons in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, throw them back in the pan to reheat for a few minutes. This is my preferred way of storing them!
  • To make croutons with less oil, use a spray bottle to evenly coat the pieces.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving (1/2 cup) Calories 86kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 7.7g (3%) Protein 2.4g (5%) Fat 5.3g (8%) Saturated Fat 0.8g (4%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 139mg (6%) Potassium 46mg (1%) Fiber 1.3g (5%) Sugar 1g (2%) Calcium 20mg (2%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 86

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving (1/2 cup)
Calories 86kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 7.7g 3%
Protein 2.4g 5%
Fat 5.3g 8%
Saturated Fat 0.8g 4%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 139mg 6%
Potassium 46mg 1%
Fiber 1.3g 5%
Sugar 1g 2%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 0.5mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.